From the page: The newspaper still has plenty of stories to tell
Idea 7
Fireplace briquettes
In rural areas of Europe and Brazil, leftover paper has always been pressed into fuel blocks to heat homes through the winter. It works because paper is compacted cellulose: soaked and pressed, it re-forms into a dense block that burns slowly and for much longer than loose sheets.
What you need
- Old newspapers, torn into pieces
- A bucket of warm water
- A mold or small box (plastic or wood, with holes for draining)
- A simple press: two pieces of wood or cans for squeezing
- A sunny or covered, ventilated spot for drying
How to make it
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1
Tear the newspapers into small pieces and submerge them in warm water for a few hours — the water breaks down the cellulose fibers and turns the paper into a mushy mass.
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2
Knead it well with your hands until it becomes a uniform pulp, like mashed papaya; the more homogeneous it is, the firmer the briquette will be.
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3
Take portions of the pulp, squeeze hard to remove excess water and press into the mold.
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4
Press firmly using the two pieces of wood — compaction is the secret, as it removes the internal water and makes the block dense.
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5
Unmold carefully and let it dry in the sun or in a ventilated spot for a few days, turning it halfway through to prevent mold.
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6
Only use it when it is completely dry and lightweight; a damp briquette gives off smoke and burns poorly.
Finishing touches
if you want longer-lasting briquettes, mix fine sawdust into the pulp before pressing. Store them in a dry place, stacked with space between them so air can circulate.
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